OSAC Country Security Report Ethiopia

Home , Hachalu Hundessa, Regions of Ethiopia

Last Updated: August 4, 2021 Travel Advisory

The current U.S. Department of State Travel Advisory at the date of this report’s publication indicates that travelers should exercise increased caution in Ethiopia due to COVID-19, civil unrest, and communication disruptions. The Department of State assesses the following regions of Ethiopia at higher risk levels:

• Do not travel to Tigray Region and the border with Eritrea due to armed conflict, civil unrest, and crime; the border area with Somalia due to potential for terrorism, kidnapping, and landmines; the border areas with Sudan and South Sudan due to crime, kidnapping, armed conflict, and civil unrest; the border areas with Kenya due to potential for terrorism and ethnic conflict; and Amhara Region districts (woredas) that border Tigray Region due to armed conflict and civil unrest. • Reconsider travel to Somali Region due to potential for terrorism and internal border unrest with Afar Region; Southern Nations, Nationalities, and People's Region (SNNPR) due to armed conflict and civil unrest; the East Hararge zone area and the Guji zone of Oromia Region due to armed conflict and civil unrest; and Benishangul Gumuz and the western part of Oromia Region due to armed conflict and civil unrest.

Review OSAC’s report, Understanding the Consular Travel Advisory System.

The Institute for Economics & Peace Global Peace Index 2021 ranks Ethiopia 139 out of 163 worldwide, rating the country as being at a Low state of peace. Crime Environment

The U.S. Department of State has assessed Addis Ababa as being a CRITICAL-threat location for crime directed at or affecting official U.S. government interests.

The U.S. Department of State has included a Crime “C” Indicator on the Travel Advisory for Ethiopia, indicating that there may be widespread violent crime and/or organized crime present in the country, and/or that local law enforcement may have limited ability to respond to serious crimes.

The emergency line in Ethiopia is 991 or 11-111-0111. Review the State Department’s Crime Victims Assistance brochure.

Crime: General Threat

While statistics on crime against Westerners are not publicly available, anecdotal reports suggest that petty crime against Westerners remains elevated. Crime is generally opportunistic in nature, with criminals targeting foreigners (ferengis) for crimes under the assumption is that they possess valuables and are more susceptible to becoming victims. Pedestrians in crowded locations and those in vehicles stuck in traffic are frequently targets of petty crimes such as pickpocketing and snatch-and-grab robbery.

Exercise caution in crowded areas, such as tourist sites and shopping malls, and especially in the Mercato open-air market.

Physical violence does happen. If someone threatens you with violence over money/belongings, comply with demands and attempt to end the confrontation as quickly as possible.

In many cases, criminals attempt to use distraction as a tactic. For example, street vendors will engage you in conversation while another criminal steals your wallet, cell phone, etc. Maintain situational awareness at all times.

Residential burglaries in areas populated by U.S. Embassy personnel and other Western expatriates are not common, but do occur on an isolated basis. Keep valuables locked in a secured area at work. Only give your keys to a trusted person; do not leave them in possession with others (e.g., guards). Identify a secure lockable area away from windows where you can isolate yourself in case of an intruder. Alarms, guards, and dogs are outstanding deterrents to criminals.

Ethiopia is primarily a cash economy. ATMs are readily available throughout Addis Ababa, and major hotels and commercial centers accept major international credit/debit cards, although connectivity problems can limit availability. While credit cards are gaining acceptance, there have been reports of unauthorized charges. Ensure you have sufficient cash reserves.

Crime: Areas of Concern

Petty crime is pervasive throughout Addis Ababa, particularly in wealthier areas populated by expatriates. 2021 saw increased reports of violent crime involving Westerners in Entoto Park, Yeka Park (behind the British Embassy), and Guellele Botanical Gardens. These attacks and attempted assaults involved multiple assailants armed with knives, rocks, and other weapons of opportunity. Other areas of concern for crime include the Mercato market and major malls and shopping areas catering to wealthier Ethiopians and expatriates.

Outside of Addis Ababa, injuries and deaths from criminal violence occur regularly. In 2017 unidentified gunmen shot and killed a European tourist at the Erta Ale Volcano, a popular tourist attraction in the Afar region abutting Eritrea and Djibouti.

Banditry and incidents involving ethnic conflict are also common along the southern border with Kenya, particularly around the town of Moyale.

Crime and intruders from South Sudan's Murle clan remain a concern in the Gambella region in the west of Ethiopia, though the capital city of Gambella remains relatively calm. Much of the violence is rooted in inter-ethnic conflict exacerbated by refugee flows into western Ethiopia from Sudan and South Sudan. The U.S. government restricts personnel travel outside of the city of Gambella.

Review OSAC’s reports, All That You Should Leave Behind, Hotels: The Inns and Outs, Considerations for Hotel Security, and Taking Credit.

Kidnapping Threat

The U.S. Department of State has included a Kidnapping “K” Indicator on the Travel Advisory for Ethiopia, indicating that criminal or terrorist individuals or groups have threatened to and/or have seized or detained and threatened to kill, injure, or continue to detain individuals in order to compel a third party (including a governmental organization) to do or abstain from doing something as a condition of release. Review OSAC’s reports, Kidnapping: The Basics and Active Shooter and Kidnapping Response Tips.

Remain cautious when traveling in/along the border with Somalia, where there is an ongoing al-Shabaab kidnapping threat to foreigners. A kidnapping threat against Westerners has been active in the Dolo Odo area of the Somali region since 2013.

Drug Crime

Bole International Airport (ADD) in Addis Ababa hosts Africa's largest airline, connecting Addis Ababa to over 120 destinations worldwide. Ethiopian counter-narcotics officials point to the passenger throughput

of the airport and availability of international routes as a contributing factor to Addis Ababa becoming both a transit point and destination country for illicit drugs. According to the UN Office of Drug & Crime (UNODC), Ethiopian authorities claimed to have arrested 80 individuals from 17 countries for trafficking heroin, cocaine, and cannabis in 2018-2019. Drug seizures from 1998 onwards indicate an increase in heroin trafficking to eastern African countries from Pakistan, Thailand, and India through Ethiopia. Likewise, West African syndicates are increasingly involved in cocaine trafficking in the region. The lack of a well-developed financial system limits Ethiopia's utility as a money laundering center.

Ethiopia cultivates qat (khat) for local use and regional export, principally to Djibouti and Somalia; qat is legal in all three countries.

Consult with the CIA World Factbook’s section on Illicit Drugs for country-specific information. Terrorism Environment

The U.S. Department of State has assessed Addis Ababa as being a MEDIUM-threat location for terrorism directed at or affecting official U.S. government interests.

The U.S. Department of State has included a Terrorism “T” Indicator on the Travel Advisory for Ethiopia, indicating that terrorist attacks have occurred and/or specific threats against civilians, groups, or other targets may exist. Review the latest State Department Country Report on Terrorism for Ethiopia.

The Institute for Economics & Peace Global Terrorism Index 2020 ranks Ethiopia 28 out of 163 worldwide, rating the country as having a Medium impact from terrorism.

Terrorism: General Threat

The continuing threat of al-Shabaab and ISIS emanating from Somalia is the Government of Ethiopia’s core terrorism concern and the focal point of its security apparatus and the Ethiopia National Defense Force’s (ENDF) counterterrorism efforts.

In late 2020, Ethiopian security officials announced the arrest of al-Shabaab and ISIS members accused of planning attacks in Addis Ababa and other parts of Ethiopia. Current information indicates that terrorist organizations continue to plan terrorist attacks against U.S. citizens and Western targets and interests in East Africa, as well as against high-profile targets within those countries that contribute troops to the African Union Mission in Somalia, including Ethiopia, which also hosts the African Union headquarters.

The ENDF, the Ethiopian Federal Police (EFP), Ethiopian intelligence, and regional special police work to block al-Shabaab attacks in Ethiopia. The Peace Ministry, which oversees the EFP and intelligence services, increased its public messaging, peace-building activities, and coordination role to combat the influence of al-Shabaab and other groups. Political Violence and Civil Unrest Environment

The U.S. Department of State has assessed Addis Ababa as being a HIGH-threat location for political violence directed at or affecting official U.S. government interests. The border region between Ethiopia and Eritrea is of particular concern given the ongoing conflict in Tigray. The U.S. government currently restricts heavily all personnel travel to Tigray.

Elections/Political Stability

After numerous delays, Ethiopia held national and regional parliamentary elections in June 2021. While there was a marked improvement in impartiality of election administration compared to previous elections in 2015 and 2010, logistical hurdles and security challenges in some parts of the country remain, with the potential to cause political instability. The National Election Board of Ethiopia, a relatively new institution,

fell behind on key deadlines in preparation for the elections, fueling allegations of bias and exacerbating long-running intercommunal conflict.

Protest & Demonstration Activity

Flash protests and incidents of civil unrest have occurred throughout Ethiopia, with many of these occurring with little to no warning and turning violent. In 2017 widespread demonstrations took place across towns in Oromia and Amhara regions, some violent with reported casualties. Protests disrupted road travel in certain areas, affecting some Western organizations. In 2020, violent demonstrations and inter-ethnic conflict occurred around the country, including in Addis Ababa. Several incidents led to the stranding of U.S. citizens in cities and regions essentially shut down by unrest. Demonstrations can be large and may take place in/near city centers. The government must approve demonstrations in advance, and local police typically cover protest activity well. Avoid demonstrations and large gatherings.

As new political parties form and Ethiopia attempts to develop into a true multiparty democracy, the potential for conflict at demonstrations increases. Demonstrations can be large and may take place in/near city centers.

For more information, review OSAC’s report, Surviving a Protest. Law Enforcement Concerns: Security Agencies

The Ethiopian Federal Police (EFP) are responsible for investigating crimes that fall under the jurisdiction of federal courts, including any activities in violation of the Constitution that may endanger the Constitutional order, public order, hooliganism, terrorism, trafficking in persons, or transferring of drugs. The EFP also maintains law and order in any region when there is a deteriorating security situation beyond the control of the regional government and a request for intervention is made, or when disputes arise between two or more regional governments and the situation becomes dangerous for the security of the federal government. The EFP safeguards the security of borders, airports, railway lines/terminals, mining areas, and other vital institutions of the federal government. The EFP delegates powers, when necessary, to regional police commissions. Regional police handle local crime under their jurisdiction and provide officers for traffic control and immediate response to criminal incidents.

Although EFP and regional police forces are responsible for law enforcement and maintenance of order, the Ethiopian National Defense Force (ENDF) sometimes provides internal security support. The EFP report to the Peace Ministry, while the ENDF report to the National Defense Ministry. The regional governments (equivalent to a U.S. state) control regional security forces, which are independent from the federal government. Civilian authorities maintain effective control over the security forces. Members of all security forces have reportedly committed abuses.

Police Response

The government rarely informs the U.S. Embassy it has arrested or detained U.S. citizens, even those detained at the airport by immigration or customs authorities. In some instances, authorities have detained U.S. citizens for weeks or months without Embassy notification. If you are arrested or detained, you have the right to request that Ethiopian authorities alert the U.S. Embassy in accordance with the 1951 Treaty of Amity and Economic Relations between the U.S. and Ethiopia. If you are detained or arrested, use whatever means of communication available to alert the U.S. Embassy of your situation.

Law Enforcement Concerns: Emergency Contact/Information

The emergency line in Ethiopia is 991 or 11-111-0111.

Transportation Security

Road Safety

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), Ethiopia has one of the worst rates of traffic fatalities in the world. Roads suffer from poor maintenance and inadequate markings. Road lighting is inadequate at best and nonexistent outside of cities. Road travel after dark outside cities is dangerous and discouraged due to hazards posed by broken-down vehicles, pedestrians, and stray animals, and the possibility of armed robbery. Excessive speed, unpredictable local driving habits, pedestrians and livestock in the roadway, and the lack of basic safety standards for vehicles are daily hazards. Many vehicles are unregistered, and many drivers lack basic driver training, licensure, or insurance. Emergency services are limited to nonexistent in many parts of the country. There is no roadside assistance. U.S. government personnel must limit road travel outside towns/cities to daylight hours and travel in convoys, if possible, in case of breakdowns.

In 2016, a U.S. citizen died while driving on the outskirts of Addis Ababa when two individuals threw boulders at the victim’s car. One of the boulders penetrated the window and struck the victim in the head. While authorities do not believe that the victim was targeted based on citizenship, vehicles belonging to diplomats have had stones pelted at them both in and outside of Addis Ababa.

Always have your car keys ready as you approach your car and be on the lookout for individuals waiting close to your car, especially at Bole Airport (ADD). Do not open your doors/windows to give money to individuals on the street, who are prevalent in Addis Ababa. It is unlawful to use any electronic communications device (even hands-free) while driving, and the use of seat belts is mandatory. Drivers must carry a valid Ethiopian driver’s license, proof of comprehensive local insurance coverage, and your U.S. passport or Ethiopian Identification card.

If you are involved in a vehicular accident, remain at the scene of the accident until the authorities arrive. However, be aware that a large crowd may gather and could become hostile and aggressive. If you fear for your safety, go to the nearest police station. Special units of the traffic police investigate traffic accidents. Normal investigative procedures require the police to conduct an on-scene investigation, after which all involved parties go to the Traffic Department for a vehicle inspection and to provide details about the accident for a final report. If possible, obtain the names and contact information of all persons involved in the accident and make a note of the extent of any injuries; photograph vehicular damage; make a note of any registration information (tag number) of other vehicle(s) involved; and obtain the other driver’s permit data, and give similar information or registration/permit data to the other driver and to the police upon request.

Within Addis Ababa, one common criminal tactic is for a pedestrian or another driver to indicate that you may have a problem with your tire or bumper; you then pull over to inspect the car. While you are doing this, a passerby will appear to assist you while another criminal is stealing items, handbags, cell phones, etc., from your car. Remain alert to these types of crimes, and always drive with your windows up and doors locked.

For detailed, country-specific road and vehicle safety information, read the World Health Organization’s Global Status Report on Road Safety.

For more information, review OSAC’s reports, Road Safety in Africa, Road Safety Abroad, Driving Overseas: Best Practices, and Evasive Driving Techniques; and read the State Department’s webpage on driving and road safety abroad.

Public Transportation Safety

Most public transport is unregulated and unsafe. Buses are in poor mechanical condition and are often filled well beyond capacity.

While taxis are available in Ethiopia, most do not meet U.S. safety standards. In Addis Ababa, green and yellow metered taxis are generally newer and in better condition than other taxis. Travelers requiring public transport should use metered taxis (not minibuses or large buses) and ensure they are the only passengers in the vehicle. Consider hiring private transportation from a reliable source and/or hotel- provided transportation. Negotiate fares in advance with the taxi driver if a meter is not available.

A light rail system exists in the capital; petty crime occurs in the system. Beware of unattended baggage/packages.

For more information, review OSAC’s Report, Security in Transit: Airplanes, Public Transport, and Overnights; and consider the European Union Air Safety List.

Aviation Concerns

Throughout Ethiopia, airport services may be slow or not up to Western standards. Projects to expand airport capacity in Addis Ababa are ongoing. Ethiopian Federal Police patrol throughout the ADD terminal and parking lot areas and can assist in an emergency. Watch out for unofficial porters who may approach your vehicle with the intent to steal items during loading/unloading.

The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has assessed the government of Ethiopia’s Civil Aviation Authority as compliant with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) aviation safety standards for oversight of Ethiopia’s air carrier operations. Find further information on the FAA safety assessment page.

Maritime Security

Ethiopia is a landlocked country. Personal Identity & Human Rights Concerns

Ethiopian law generally requires authorities to obtain court-issued search warrants prior to searching private property; however, the law also recognizes exceptions in which police are in hot pursuit of suspects, there is reasonable suspicion that evidence of a crime punishable if convicted by more than three years' imprisonment is concealed on or in the property, and a delay in obtaining a search warrant could allow for the destruction or removal of the evidence.

Safety Concerns for Women Travelers

Female travelers should be cautious if traveling alone. There have been instances of local males sexually assaulting/groping Western females both in rural towns and large cities.

Domestic violence, including spousal abuse, is pervasive. Despite laws on the books against rape and domestic violence, enforcement is inconsistent, and domestic violence and rape cases often are delayed significantly and given low priority. In addition, the law does not specifically address spousal abuse, which a 2016 Demographic and Health Survey claimed affected 34% of married women and girls between ages 15 and 49. Discrimination against women is widespread, particularly in rural areas where an estimated 80% of the population lives. Ethiopian law contains discriminatory regulations, such as recognition of the husband as the legal head of the family and sole guardian of children older than 5 years old. Regardless of the number of years married, the number of children raised, and joint property, the law entitles women to only three months' financial support if the relationship ends; consequently, women and children often face abandonment.

Female genital mutilation/cutting (FGM/C) is illegal; authorities do not actively enforce the prohibition, although it is much less common in urban areas.

Consider composite scores given to Ethiopia by the UN Development Program (UNDP) in its Gender Development Index, measuring the difference between average achievement in three basic dimensions of human development, and Gender Inequality Index, measuring inequality in achievement in reproductive health, empowerment, and the labor market. For more information on gender statistics in Ethiopia, see the World Bank's Gender Data Portal.

Review the State Department’s webpage for female travelers.

Safety Concerns for LGBTI+ Travelers

Consensual same-sex sexual activity between adults is illegal and punishable by imprisonment under the law. There have been periodic detentions and interrogations of LGBTI+ persons, as well as alleged physical abuse. Ethiopians do not generally identify themselves as LGBTI+ due to severe societal stigma. There are some reports of violence against LGBTI+ individuals; reporting is limited due to fear of retribution, discrimination, or stigmatization. There is no law prohibiting discrimination against LGBTI+ persons; some LGBTI+ activists have reported being followed and at times fearing for their safety. Outside the major international hotels, same-sex couples may be unable to share a room.

Review OSAC’s report, Supporting LGBT+ Employee Security Abroad, and the State Department’s webpage on security for LGBTI travelers.

Safety Concerns for Travelers with Disabilities

The constitution does not mandate equal rights for persons with disabilities. Employment law prohibits discrimination against persons with physical and mental disabilities, but does not specifically mention intellectual or sensory disabilities. The law requires employers to provide appropriate working or training conditions and materials for persons with disabilities, and while the law also mandates disability accessibility for buildings, there are no specific regulations that define these standards.

Consequently, persons with disabilities have limited access to transportation, communication, accommodations, and public buildings. There are few sidewalks and no curb cuts, and most buildings lack functioning elevators. Landlords must give persons with disabilities preference for ground floor apartments. See The Ethiopian Center for Disability and Development guidebook with information on accessible hotel accommodations and transportation (including the Addis Ababa metro area).

Safety Concerns for Travelers Based on Race, Religion, & Ethnicity

According to the last national census in 2007, Ethiopia had more than 80 ethnic groups, of which the Oromo, at approximately 34% of the population, was the largest. An updated census is controversial and was slated for 2019, but was postponed until further notice. The federal system and constitution define political boundaries based on ethnic considerations, with most political parties primarily ethnically-based, although the ruling party and one of the largest opposition parties were not organized along ethnic lines.

In recent years, there have been multiple cases of societal violence affecting members of national, racial, or ethnic minorities or groups, particularly between Amhara and Oromo groups. The 2020 killing of popular Oromo singer and activist Hachalu Hundessa triggered an extended period of violence in Oromia resulting in more than 170 deaths and millions of dollars in property damage. Similarly, as tensions mounted in Tigray Region, there were reports of arrests and detention of Tigrayan security officials, public figures, and other ethnic Tigrayans. The Ethiopian Human Rights Council released assessments describing targeted ethnic killings of between 600 and 1,200 ethnic-Amhara individuals in Tigray.

Authorities may stop, arrest, and detain individuals of Somali origin, regardless of citizenship, for an extended period with no charges. U.S. citizens of Somali origin should prepare for this contingency, and carry copies of all important documents and the contact information for the U.S. Embassy.

Ethiopia does not recognize dual nationality. Ethiopian officials have stated that they will treat dual Eritrean-U.S. citizens as U.S. citizens, and not subject them to arrest simply because of their ties to Eritrea. However, immigration officials do not allow dual Eritrean-U.S. citizens to obtain tourist visas upon arrival at the airport.

Review the latest U.S Department of State Report on International Religious Freedom for country-specific information.

Review OSAC’s report, Freedom to Practice, and the State Department’s webpage on security for faith- based travelers.

Anti-U.S./Anti-Western Sentiment

Historically there has not been strong anti-U.S. or anti-Western sentiment in Ethiopia. However, increased focus on the Tigray crisis, rising inter-communal violence in the country, and Ethiopia's stance vis-a-vis its neighbors regarding the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) project has been met with a corresponding increase in anti-U.S. sentiment. In May 2021, various groups coalesced to protest against the U.S. and other diplomatic missions for a perceived bias against the government's handling of the Tigray crisis, GERD, and other local concerns.

Concerns involving the Rule of Law, Arbitrary Detention, Official Harassment, Corruption &/or Transparency

Despite a loosening of press restrictions on press and opposition activities following Prime Minister Abiy's assumption of office in 2018, there remain serious restrictions on free expression and the press, particularly on sensitive issues such as the conflict in Tigray and intercommunal violence throughout the country. This includes harassment of journalists and the blocking of internet and social media websites.

While the constitution and federal law prohibit arbitrary arrest and detention and provide for the right of the accused to challenge the lawfulness of an arrest in court, the Government of Ethiopia does not always observe these requirements. For example, in May 2020, authorities arrested an estimated 1,600 people in Addis Ababa for violations of the state of emergency by not wearing face masks. All were released within 72 hours after the Ethiopian Human Rights Commission intervened by urging the police to stop arbitrary arrests for mask violations.

The law provides criminal penalties for conviction of corruption, but the government does not implement the law effectively or comprehensively. While the government enacted new policies to hold officials more accountable, isolated reports of government corruption continue, with some officials engaging in corrupt practices with impunity. High-profile cases include four Education Ministry officials arrested in 2020 for corrupt procurement practices resulting in the loss of $7 million, as well as the 2018 arrest of the former director general of the state-owned Metal and Engineering Corporation, who had embezzled $2 billion through corrupt procurement practices. In August 2020, the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission and the Ethiopian Financial Intelligence Center signed a Memorandum of Understanding to increase coordination by increasing the ability of the two agencies to identify money laundering, terrorism financing, and other financial crimes that support corruption. To bolster anti-corruption measures, the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission created a process for civil servants to report their assets, focusing first on top officials. In August 2020, the commission sent police a list of 184 federal and Addis Ababa government officials who failed to register for possible criminal charges.

The Transparency International Corruption Perceptions Index ranks Ethiopia 94 out of 180 worldwide, where 1 means most transparent.

Communication Issues

Upon taking office in 2018, Prime Minister Abiy stated that freedom of speech was essential to the country's future and number of independent news outlets increased during his term. NGOs reported that practices such as arrests, detention, abuse, and harassment of persons for criticizing the government diminished significantly.

The rapid increase in the number of media outlets led to challenges, with a corresponding increase in untrained reporters and outlets reflecting the political views of their owners. The increased development of regional media outlets also amplified messaging that was biased towards specific ethnic groups, further encouraging intercommunal and interethnic violence.

Following the killing of Oromo singer and activist Hachalu Hundessa in 2020, police arrested scores of journalists on charges relating to defamation of the government, false reporting, and inciting ethnic tensions. In some cases, the government chose to charge journalists on national security grounds.

Finally, several journalists have been detained, harassed, or, in some cases, deported from Ethiopia on allegations of false reporting on the situation in the Tigray region; authorities have also restricted press officials from entering certain parts of Tigray due to the ongoing conflict.

The government has periodically restricted and disrupted access to the internet and blocked social media sites. In 2020, the government shut down the internet from June 30 to July 23 after the killing of popular musician and Oromo rights advocate Hachalu Hundessa. Additionally, authorities shut off telephone, cell phone, and internet services in the Tigray region beginning in November 2020, with sporadic outages continuing into 2021.

The constitution and law provide for freedom of speech, and the Government of Ethiopia had generally respects this right. Human rights groups have criticized the March 2020 Hate Speech and Disinformation Prevention and Suppression Proclamation for using broad legal definitions that could repress freedom of speech. The government has used the law in a few cases.

The Reporters Without Borders World Press Freedom Index ranks Ethiopia 101 out of 180 worldwide, where 1 means most freedom. The Freedom House Freedom on the Net report rates Ethiopia’s internet freedom as Not Free, and its Freedom in the World report rates Ethiopia’s freedom of speech as Not Free.

Review OSAC’s report, Lèse Majesté: Watching what you say (and type) abroad. Health Concerns

Emergency Health Services

Medical care is extremely limited, and healthcare facilities are only adequate for stabilization and emergency care. There is a shortage of physicians and other qualified medical personnel, as well as medical supplies, including, but not limited to, respirators and oxygen. Emergency, ambulance services, and psychiatric services are also limited. Medications are in short supply. All care providers, whether public or private, require payment or a cash deposit in Ethiopian birr before treatment.

Ambulance services are not present or unreliable in most areas except Addis Ababa. Ambulances are not generally staffed with trained paramedics and often have little or no medical equipment. Injured or seriously ill travelers may prefer to take a taxi or private vehicle to the nearest major hospital rather than wait for an ambulance.

Find contact information for available medical services and available air ambulance services on the U.S. Embassy website. The U.S. Department of State strongly recommends purchasing international health

insurance before traveling internationally. Review the State Department’s webpage on health insurance overseas.

The U.S. Department of State has included a Health “H” Indicator on the Travel Advisory for Ethiopia, indicating that Health risks, including current disease outbreaks or a crisis that temporarily disrupts a country’s medical infrastructure, are present. Review the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) country-specific Travel Health Notices for current health issues that impact traveler health, like disease outbreaks, special events or gatherings, and natural disasters.

See OSAC’s Guide to U.S. Government-Assisted Evacuations; review OSAC’s reports, The Healthy Way, Shaken: The Don’ts of Alcohol Abroad, Health 101: How to Prepare for Travel, and Fire Safety Abroad; and visit the State Department’s webpage on Your Health Abroad for more information.

Vaccinations

Ethiopia requires the Yellow Fever vaccine for those over nine months of age traveling from a country with risk of Yellow Fever virus transmission, including transiting for more than 12 hours in an airport located in a country with risk of YF virus transmission.

Review the CDC Travelers’ Health site for country-specific vaccine recommendations.

Issues Traveling with Medications

Always carry your prescription medication in original packaging, along with your doctor’s prescription. If the quantity of drugs exceeds that which would be expected for personal use, a permit from the Ministry of Health is required. Check with the Ethiopian Food and Drug Administration (EFDA) at +251-11-552-41- 22 or *8484* to ensure the medication is legal in Ethiopia.

Review OSAC’s report, Traveling with Medication.

Water Quality

Water-borne diseases are common in Ethiopia. Drink or use only boiled or bottled water. Avoid ice in drinks, as it may have been made from untreated tap water.

Review OSAC’s report, I’m Drinking What in My Water?

Environmental Hazards

As Ethiopia is located in the Rift Valley, there is a risk of earthquakes; none have occurred recently. Buildings often do not meet earthquake safety codes, and may collapse due to strong tremors. Cybersecurity Concerns

The government of Ethiopia actively monitors internet traffic in the country and has shut down the internet periodically during periods of political unrest. Since April 2018, the Government of Ethiopia has minimized suspending internet and mobile data traffic, but has taken that action during previous localized periods of unrest. From 2016 to 2018, the Embassy experienced periods with difficulty in communicating with U.S. citizens during periods of unrest in Addis Ababa and outside of the capital.

Review OSAC’s reports, Cybersecurity Basics, Best Practices for Maximizing Security on Public Wi-Fi, Traveling Abroad with Mobile Devices, and Guide for Overseas Satellite Phone Usage.

Counterintelligence Issues

The Government of Ethiopia owns the sole internet and cell service provider, Ethio Telecom, and exercises a great deal of control on service and content. Use VPNs for privacy and secure communications. Other Security Concerns

Landmines

There is a land mine risk in the border area with Somalia. Strongly reconsider travel to this area.

Import/Export Restrictions

The Trade and Industry Ministry has the power to restrict and/or limit imports and exports. There are few restrictions on the importation of some products that compete with locally produced goods. The following goods are prohibited imports into Ethiopia:

• Used clothing. • Arms and ammunitions are subject to an import prohibition, except where the Defense Ministry grants permission. • Particular telecommunication equipment requires Ethio Telecom authorization prior to importing. • Imports of refurbished medical equipment for sale in the country is not permitted. Imports are permitted only in the case of use by the importer, and not resale. • Goods of a commercial nature and quantity that are not imported through formal bank payment mechanisms.

You must have a permits before exporting antiques or animal skins. Antique religious artifacts, including Ethiopian crosses, require documentation for export from the National Museum in Addis Ababa.

A country-specific listing of items goods prohibited from being exported to the country or that are otherwise restricted is available from the U.S. International Trade Agency website.

Photography

It is illegal to take pictures of government buildings, military installations, police/military personnel, and key infrastructure such as roads, bridges, dams, and airfields. If you are caught photographing prohibited sites, authorities could fine, detain, and/or arrest you, and confiscate your photographic equipment. As a general practice, avoid taking pictures of individuals without their clear consent.

Review OSAC’s report, Picture This: Dos and Don’ts for Photography.

ID Requirements

Your passport should be valid for a minimum period of 6 months from the date of entry into Ethiopia. Make sure you have two blank pages in your passport on arrival.

Critical Infrastructure Concerns

Ethiopia does not conform to Western standards for workplace security. A primary example is in construction throughout Addis Ababa, where scaffolding is made from local timber with few safety features on construction sites. The government controls communications (cell phone and internet), and has shut down both systems during periods of civil unrest. Telecoms are unreliable, and there are numerous dead spots for cell phone coverage. The Government of Ethiopia also scrutinizes all satellite communications gear; it is not unusual for delays to occur when importing these type of items. Follow all appropriate host country regulations. OSAC Country Chapters

Addis Ababa hosts an active OSAC Country Chapter.

To find out more, contact OSAC’s Africa team with any questions. Embassy Contact Information

U.S. Embassy: Entoto Road, P.O. Box 1014, Addis Ababa

Hours: Monday-Thursday: 0730-1700; Friday: 0730-1230

Operator: +251 011 130-6000 Local News Sources

• Horn Affairs • Ezega News • Ethiopian News Agency (State-run) • Capital Ethiopia • Addis Standard • ECAD • ESAT • Ethiopia Observer • Nazret • New Business • Borkena Other Helpful Info

• State Department Country Information • OSAC Risk Matrix • OSAC Travelers Toolkit • State Department Travelers Checklist • Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) • How OSAC Analysts Can Benefit Your Global Security Operations